The versatile family of molybdenum oxides: synthesis, properties, and recent applications.

The family of molybdenum oxides has numerous advantages that make them strong candidates for high-value research and various commercial applications. The variation of their multiple oxidation states allows their existence in a wide range of compositions and morphologies that converts them into highly versatile and tunable materials for incorporation into energy, electronics, optical, and biological systems. In this review, a survey is presented of the most general properties of molybdenum oxides including the crystalline structures and the physical properties, with emphasis on present issues and challenging scientific and technological aspects. A section is devoted to the thermodynamical properties and the most common preparation techniques. Then, recent applications are described, including photodetectors, thermoelectric devices, solar cells, photo-thermal therapies, gas sensors, and energy storage.

Efectividad y seguridad de la cirugía para la epilepsia en niños. Experiencia de un hospital terciario en Ecuador / Safety and effectiveness of surgery for epilepsy in children. Experience of a tertiary hospital in Ecuador

Introducción: Existe suficiente evidencia sobre la utilidad de la cirugía como alternativa terapéutica para pacientes con epilepsia farmacorresistente, sin embargo este tratamiento es subutilizado especialmente en países en desarrollo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la efectividad y seguridad de la cirugía de epilepsia en un hospital terciario de Ecuador.MétodosSe describe el resultado de la cirugía de epilepsia en 27 niños y adolescentes en el Hospital Baca Ortiz, de Quito, Ecuador, teniendo en cuenta las siguientes variables antes y después de la cirugía: reducción de la frecuencia de crisis, Engel posquirúrgico, mejoría en la calidad de vida y presencia de complicaciones graves por la cirugía.ResultadosSe realizaron 21 callosotomías y seis cirugías resectivas. La frecuencia de crisis media se redujo de 465 mensual antes de la cirugía a 37,2 mensual después de la misma (p<0,001), mientras que la puntuación en la escala de calidad de vida aumentó de 12,6 a 37,2 puntos (p<0,001), el 72,7% de los pacientes mejoró la calidad de vida. Entre las cirugía resectivas, en dos epilepsias del lóbulo temporal y una del cuadrante posterior se logró Engel Ia, una hemisferotomía por encefalitis de Rasmusen quedó en Engel IIa y dos hamartomas hipotalámicos, uno logró Engel III y otro Engel Ia pero falleció a mediano plazo por complicación posquirúrgica. La otra complicación grave fue un hidrocéfalo que llevó a la muerte a un lactante con espasmos infantiles refractarios sometido a callosotomía.ConclusiónEl resultado favorable se observó en el 92,5% de los pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: There is sufficient evidence on the usefulness of surgery as a therapeutic alternative for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; however this treatment is underutilized, especially in developing countries.MethodsWe describe the outcomes of epilepsy surgery in 27 paediatric patients at Hospital Baca Ortiz in Quito, Ecuador. Our analysis considered the following variables: reduction in seizure frequency, surgery outcome according to the Engel classification, improvement in quality of life, and serious complications due to surgery.Results21 corpus callosotomies and 6 resective surgeries were performed. The mean seizure frequency decreased from 465 per month before surgery to 37.2 per month thereafter (p<.001); quality of life scale scores increased from 12.6 to 37.2 (p<.001), and quality of life improved in 72.7% of patients. Regarding resective surgery, 2 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and one with posterior quadrant epilepsy achieved Engel class IA, and one patient undergoing hemispherotomy due to Rasmussen encephalitis achieved Engel class IIA. Two patients underwent surgery for hypothalamic hamartoma: one achieved Engel III and the other, Engel IA; however, the latter patient died in the medium term due to a postoperative complication. The other major complication was a case of hydrocephalus, which led to the death of a patient with refractory infantile spasms who underwent corpus callosotomy.ConclusionsFavourable outcomes were observed in 92.5% of patients. (AU)

Safety and effectiveness of surgery for epilepsy in children. Experience of a tertiary hospital in Ecuador. / Efectividad y seguridad de la cirugía para la epilepsia en niños. Experiencia de un hospital terciario en Ecuador.

INTRODUCTION: There is sufficient evidence on the usefulness of surgery as a therapeutic alternative for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy; however this treatment is underutilized, especially in developing countries. METHODS: We describe the outcomes of epilepsy surgery in 27 paediatric patients at Hospital Baca Ortiz in Quito, Ecuador. Our analysis considered the following variables: reduction in seizure frequency, surgery outcome according to the Engel classification, improvement in quality of life, and serious complications due to surgery. RESULTS: 21 corpus callosotomies and 6 resective surgeries were performed. The mean seizure frequency decreased from 465 per month before surgery to 37.2 per month thereafter (p<.001); quality of life scale scores increased from 12.6 to 37.2 (p<.001), and quality of life improved in 72.7% of patients. Regarding resective surgery, 2 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and one with posterior quadrant epilepsy achieved Engel class IA, and one patient undergoing hemispherotomy due to Rasmussen encephalitis achieved Engel class IIA. Two patients underwent surgery for hypothalamic hamartoma: one achieved Engel III and the other, Engel IA; however, the latter patient died in the medium term due to a postoperative complication. The other major complication was a case of hydrocephalus, which led to the death of a patient with refractory infantile spasms who underwent corpus callosotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Favourable outcomes were observed in 92.5% of patients.

Utilidad del Video EEG en un hospital pediátrico de nivel terciario durante el año 2015 / Utility Of Video EEG In A Pediatric Tertiary Hospital During 2015

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad del V-EEG en el diagnóstico diferencial de la epilepsia en un hospital pediátrico de nivel terciario durante el año 2015 Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo sobre 90 pacientes evaluados en esta unidad durante el año 2015. Se recogieron datos de variables relacionadas con la indicación y los resultados del V-EEG, los cuales fueron analizados usando medidas de estadística descriptiva. Resultados: El 53,3% de los pacientes fueron masculinos. El promedio de edad es de 7,7 años con una desviación estándar de 4,7 años. El tiempo que transcurre desde la primera crisis hasta que el paciente acude a realizarse el V-EEG presenta una media de 4,3 años. 72 pacientes (80%) presentaron crisis epilépticas, 12 pacientes (13,3%) presentaron trastornos paroxísticos no epilépticos, mientras 6 niños (6,7%) no presentaron crisis durante el monitoreo. En el 93,3% de los casos el estudio fue exitoso. Conclusiones: Se demuestra la utilidad del monitoreo V-EEG para el diagnóstico diferencial de epilepsia.

Summary Objective: The aim was to evaluate the V-EEG usefulness in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy in a Third Level Children's Hospital during 2015. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was performed over 90 patients in this unit during 2015. The data was obtained from variables related to indications and results of V-EEG, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Fifty three percent of the patients were male. The mean age was 7.7 years (SD ± 4.7 years). The time measured between the first seizure and the V-EEG recording was 4,3 years. Seventy two patients (80%) had epileptic seizures, 12 patients (13,3%) had nonepileptic seizures, while six children (6.7%) had no seizures during the V-EEG monitoring. Ninety three percent of all recordings were successful. Conclusions: It was demonstrated the usefulness of V-EEG monitoring for the differential diagnosis of epilepsy.

Incidencia y factores de riesgo de ictus en La Habana y Matanzas, Cuba / Stroke incidence and risk factors in Havana and Matanzas, Cuba

Introducción: La enfermedad cerebrovascular constituye la tercera causa de muerte y la segunda de discapacidad y demencia. Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de ictus en adultos de 65 años y más en La Habana y Matanzas, Cuba. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo longitudinal, entre abril del 2008 y abril del 2011, que reevaluó a 2.916 adultos mayores, con una media de seguimiento de 4 años, incluidos 2.316 adultos vivos y 600 autopsias verbales. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, nivel educacional, autorreporte y descripción de enfermedades crónicas y hábitos tóxicos. Se realizaron exámenes de laboratorio, incluido el genotipo de la APOE. El diagnóstico de ictus se basó en la definición de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Se calculó la tasa de incidencia de ictus global, por sexos y grupos de edad, y los factores de riesgo de ictus incidente. Resultados: La incidencia de ictus fue de 786,2 por 100.000 personas/año (IC del 95%, 672,3-906,4). El antecedente de consumo de alcohol (HR: 3,5; IC del 95%, 3,3-3,7) y la demencia (HR: 3,0; IC del 95%, 1,6-5,5) y el sexo masculino (HR: 1,8; IC del 95%, 1,2-2,8) constituyeron factores de riesgo de ictus incidente. Conclusiones: La incidencia de ictus es similar a la reportada en países desarrollados y menor que la reportada en otros países de bajos y medianos ingresos. Como la diabetes mellitus, enfermedad cardiaca, la hipertensión arterial, el hábito de fumar y APOE4, entre otros, se asocian con una mayor mortalidad requieren un análisis diferente en el estudio de factores de riesgo de ictus

Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease is the third-leading cause of death and the second-leading cause of disability and dementia. Objective: Determine stroke incidence and risk factors in a population of adults aged 65 and over in Cuba (Havana and Matanzas). Material and methods: This prospective longitudinal study, completed between April 2008 and Abril 2011, re-evaluated 2916 elderly adults with an average follow-up time of 4 years. Cases included 2316 living subjects and 600 verbal autopsies. Study variables were age, sex, educational level, self-reported health, and description of chronic diseases and substance abuse. Laboratory tests included genotyping APOE. Stroke was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization definition. We calculated the global incidence rate for stroke, broken down by sex, age group, and risk factors for incident stroke. Results: Stroke incidence was 786.2 in 100 000 persons/year (95% CI: 672.3-906.4). History of alcohol consumption (HR: 3.5; 95% CI: 3.3-3.7), dementia (HR: 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6-5.5) and male sex (HR: 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8) were shown to be risk factors for incident stroke. Conclusions: Stroke incidence was similar to rates reported in developed countries and lower than that in low- to middle-income countries. Given that diabetes mellitus, heart disease, arterial hypertension, smoking, APOE4, etc. are associated with higher mortality rates, they will require separate analysis in a study of stroke risk factors

Stroke incidence and risk factors in Havana and Matanzas, Cuba.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebrovascular disease is the third-leading cause of death and the second-leading cause of disability and dementia. OBJECTIVE: Determine stroke incidence and risk factors in a population of adults aged 65 and over in Cuba (Havana and Matanzas). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study, completed between April 2008 and Abril 2011, re-evaluated 2916 elderly adults with an average follow-up time of 4 years. Cases included 2316 living subjects and 600 verbal autopsies. Study variables were age, sex, educational level, self-reported health, and description of chronic diseases and substance abuse. Laboratory tests included genotyping APOE. Stroke was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization definition. We calculated the global incidence rate for stroke, broken down by sex, age group, and risk factors for incident stroke. RESULTS: Stroke incidence was 786.2 in 100000 persons/year (95% CI: 672.3-906.4). History of alcohol consumption (HR: 3.5; 95% CI: 3.3-3.7), dementia (HR: 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6-5.5) and male sex (HR: 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.8) were shown to be risk factors for incident stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke incidence was similar to rates reported in developed countries and lower than that in low- to middle-income countries. Given that diabetes mellitus, heart disease, arterial hypertension, smoking, APOE4, etc. are associated with higher mortality rates, they will require separate analysis in a study of stroke risk factors.

Knowledge, attitudes, sexual behaviors and utilization of health services among Filipino men who have sex with men (MSM)

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes, sexual practices, and utilization of health services of the MSM population in the Philippines. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional. Data was collected through an online survey of Filipino MSMs with accounts at any of the three (3) major MSM websites. This was supplemented by focus group discussions and key-informant interviews of informal MSM leaders. Only 682 men satisfied the eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Forty eight percent (48%) of the respondents had low levels of knowledge on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Majority (54%) engaged in unprotected sex despite having positive attitudes toward condom use. MSMs had multiple sex partnerships to satisfy their "high libido" and get "sexual gratification." Only 17% had submitted themselves for HIV testing and knew their results. CONCLUSIONS: MSMs remain at high risk for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's). There is a wide gap between knowledge and actual sexual practices, and their health-seeking behavior remains poor. Thus, there is a need for programs that are tailored to the needs, cultural diversities, and unique practices of the MSM community.

Serum neuron-specific enolase and S100 calcium binding protein B biomarker levels do not improve diagnosis of acute stroke.

BACKGROUND: The high sensitivities and specificities reported for blood biomarkers as a supportive test in the diagnosis of acute stroke do not correspond with their performance for decision-making in emergency situations. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with suspected stroke were recruited: 44 with ischaemic stroke, 17 with haemorrhagic stroke and 11 stroke mimics, as well as a high-risk control group of 79 individuals. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B) biomarker levels were determined on admission, using immunoassay kits. The sensitivities and specificities of NSE and S100B for distinguishing acute stroke from stroke mimics and high-risk controls were calculated. RESULTS: For cut-off values (NSE ≤ 14 micrograms per litre and S100B ≤130 nanograms per litre) the sensitivity was 53% and 55% respectively. Specificity was 64 for both versus the stroke mimic group. Specificity was higher (79% and 86% respectively) when calculated on the basis of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the evidence indicating that serum levels of NSE and S100B do not improve the diagnosis of acute stroke.

Tratamiento local de metástasis cutánea facial de cáncer de colon mediante colgajo submentoniano / Local management of colon carcinoma metasasis in the face with a submental flap

Las metástasis cutáneas de los tumores del aparato digestivo son lesiones infrecuentes que aparecen en pacientes con estadíos avanzados de la enfermedad, frecuentemente ya intervenidos del tumor primario. Son lesiones que aparecen de novo, de características variables y crecimiento rápido; suelen localizarse en tronco o extremidades inferiores y se diagnostican precozmente, lo que hace fácil su extirpación y el cierre directo del defecto. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con cáncer de colon en estadío avanzado con lesión metastásica facial de 6 cm de diámetro en mejilla derecha. Esta lesión ulcerada y maloliente, precisaba curas diarias y empeoraba la calidad de vida del paciente. Se procedió a su extirpación y para cobertura realizamos un colgajo submentonianoipsilateral con excelente resultado. Este colgajo proporciona un tejido muy parecido al del defecto, creando mínimas secuelas de la zona donante que queda oculta en el área de sombra submandibular, por lo que representa una alternativa terapéutica ideal en defectos faciales de tamaño medio (AU)

Cutaneous metastasis of the digestive tract are infrequent lesions appearing in patients with advanced disease. Most of these patients have been already operated of their primary tumour. Lesions are variable in aspect, arising de novo and evolving with rapid growth. They usually lie in the trunk or lower extremities thus facilitating an early diagnosis and management with simple extirpation and direct closure. A case-report of a patient with advanced colonic canceris here presented. At admission he presented a cutaneous matastasic lesion in the right cheek; it was a 6 cm ulcerated, bad -smelling lesion which needed daily dressings affecting patient’s normal life. The lesion was removed using successfully a submental flap as coverage. The submental flap provides a very similar tissue to facial defects, leaving no donor area sequelae which is in addition well hidden, being consequently a good tool for midsize facial defects (AU)

Retos y perspectivas del tratamiento antiplaquetario en la prevención secundaria de eventos vasculares / No disponible

No disponible

Calidad de vida en pacientes con ictus isquémico / Quality of life in patients with ischaemic stroke

No disponible

[Cognitive deterioration following cerebral infarction: frequency and determining factors]. / Deterioro cognitivo después de un infarto cerebral: frecuencia y factores determinantes.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is often associated with cognitive deterioration (CD) in varying degrees, and the risk factors associated to CD after a stroke vary from one study to another. AIMS: To determine the frequency of CD following cerebral infarction and to identify the factors that account for its presence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was performed involving 126 stroke survivors who were hospitalised for rehabilitation. Patients were classified as having CD if they had scores below the cut-off point in one of the cognitive tests that were applied, i.e. the Folstein Minimental Test (< 24) or the Command-Condition Clock Test (< 7). The explanatory variables were: demographic variables (age, sex and years of schooling), comorbidity (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and intelligence quotient), noxious habits (smoking and drinking), variables related to the lesion (extension, hemisphere and location), and others related to the consequences of the stroke (neurological status and depression). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the role of these variables in CD. RESULTS: CD was observed in 51.6% of the patients. In the bivariate analysis, the extension of the infarction, age, years of schooling, degree of neurological compromise and depression were associated with the presence of CD. The logistic regression model showed that the factors explaining CD were severe neurological compromise (OR = 22.9; CI 95% = 4.2-125.2), having major depression (OR = 2.9; CI 95% = 1.14-7.8) and older age (OR = 0.94; CI 95% = 0.89-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: A little more than half of all stroke survivors, who are undergoing rehabilitation in hospital, have CD. The factors with the greatest explanatory power to account for CI were neurological status, depression and age.

Deterioro cognitivo después de un infarto cerebral: frecuencia y factores determinantes / Cognitive deterioration following cerebral infarction: frequency and determining factors

El ictus se asocia con frecuencia a deterioro cognitivo (DC) de diverso grado; los factores de riesgoasociados al DC después de un ictus varían entre estudios. Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia de DC después de un infarto cerebral e identificar los factores que explican su presencia. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de 126 supervivientes aun ictus, hospitalizados para rehabilitación. Se clasificaron como DC aquéllos con puntuaciones por debajo del punto de corte en una de las pruebas cognitivas aplicadas: test minimental de Folstein (< 24) o prueba del reloj a la orden (< 7). Comovariables explicativas: variables demográficas (edad, sexo y años de estudio cursados), sobre comorbilidad (hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y cardiopatía isquémica), hábitos tóxicos (tabaquismo y alcohol), relacionadas con la lesión (extensión,hemisferio y localización) y relacionadas con las consecuencias del ictus (estado neurológico y depresión). Se realizó un análisis bivariado y de regresión logística para determinar el papel de estas variables en el DC. Resultados. El 51,6% de lospacientes presentó DC. En el análisis bivariado, la extensión del infarto, la edad, los años de estudio, el grado de afectación neurológica y la depresión se asociaron a la presencia de DC. El modelo de regresión logística mostró que los factores que explicanel DC fueron: una afectación neurológica grave (OR = 22,9; IC 95%: = 4,2-125,2), tener una depresión mayor (OR = 2,9; IC 95% = 1,14-7,8) y una mayor edad (OR = 0,94; IC 95% = 0,89-0,98). Conclusiones. Poco más de la mitad de los supervivientes a un ictus que se hospitalizan para rehabilitación presentan DC. Los factores que explican con mayor fuerza el DC fueron el estado neurológico, la depresión y la edad

Stroke is often associated with cognitive deterioration (CD) in varying degrees, and the risk factorsassociated to CD after a stroke vary from one study to another. Aims. To determine the frequency of CD following cerebral infarction and to identify the factors that account for its presence. Patients and methods. A descriptive study was performedinvolving 126 stroke survivors who were hospitalised for rehabilitation. Patients were classified as having CD if they had scores below the cut-off point in one of the cognitive tests that were applied, i.e. the Folstein Minimental Test (< 24) or the Command-Condition Clock Test (< 7). The explanatory variables were: demographic variables (age, sex and years ofschooling), comorbidity (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and intelligence quotient), noxious habits (smoking and drinking), variables related to the lesion (extension, hemisphere and location), and others related to the consequences of the stroke (neurological status and depression). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the role ofthese variables in CD. Results. CD was observed in 51.6% of the patients. In the bivariate analysis, the extension of the infarction, age, years of schooling, degree of neurological compromise and depression were associated with the presence ofCD. The logistic regression model showed that the factors explaining CD were severe neurological compromise (OR = 22.9; CI 95% = 4.2-125.2), having major depression (OR = 2.9; CI 95% = 1.14-7.8) and older age (OR = 0.94; CI 95% = 0.89- 0.98). Conclusions. A little more than half of all stroke survivors, who are undergoing rehabilitation in hospital, have CD. Thefactors with the greatest explanatory power to account for CI were neurological status, depression and age

[Validation of the stroke-specific quality of life scale (ECVI-38)]. / Validación de la escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38).

INTRODUCTION: The stroke-specific quality of life scale (ECVI-38) is the first Spanish-language instrument for evaluating the quality of life in individuals who have survived a stroke. AIM: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the third version of the ECVI-38. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 243 stroke survivors were interviewed 2 months-2 years after the event; 61 of them were surveyed again 7-14 days later and 74 others were interviewed on beginning and ending a two-month period of rehabilitation. Gold standard methods for this type of research were used to evaluate the psychometric properties (acceptability, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change). RESULTS. The ECVI was acceptable, with means close to the medians, a high degree of variability of the sample and a ceiling/floor effect below 20%, except for the odd exception. It displayed good reliability with internal consistence, with a Cronbach's alpha value of between 0.79 and 0.95, and a test-retest with intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.81 and 0.96. It satisfied the validity criteria both in analyses within the scale and in analyses against external criteria: it distinguishes well between different degrees of neurological, emotional and cognitive compromise. Sensitivity to change, at eight weeks after rehabilitation, was between moderate and high in most domains: there were significant differences between the scores for the domains, and the size of the effect was above 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: The ECVI-38 is acceptable, valid and reliable for evaluating the spectrum of consequences and recovery from a stroke, and its result changes in proportion to recovery.

Validación de la escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38) / Validation of the stroke-specific quality of life scale (ECVI-38)

La escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38) es el primer instrumento desarrollado en hablahispana para valorar la calidad de vida en los supervivientes a un accidente cerebrovascular. Objetivo. Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la tercera versión de la ECVI-38. Pacientes y métodos. Se entrevistó a 243 supervivientes a un ictus despuésde 2 meses a 2 años del evento; 61 de éstos volvieron a ser encuestados 7-14 días después, y otros 74 fueron entrevistados al ingreso y al alta tras dos meses de rehabilitación. Para evaluar las propiedades psicométricas (aceptabilidad, fiabilidad,validez y sensibilidad al cambio), se emplaron métodos de referencia para este tipo de trabajos. Resultados. La ECVI fue aceptable: medias cercanas a las medianas, gran variabilidad de la muestra y efecto suelo-techo inferior a 20%, salvo excepciones.Mostró buena fiabilidad: consistencia interna con coeficiente alfa de Cronbach entre 0,79 y 0,95, y prueba test-retest con coeficientes de correlación intraclase entre 0,81 y 0,96. Cumplió los criterios para la validez, tanto en análisis dentro dela escala como en análisis contra criterio externo: diferencia bien entre distintos grados de afectación neurológica, emocional y cognitiva. La sensibilidad al cambio, después de ocho semanas de rehabilitación, fue entre moderada y alta en la mayoríade los dominios: diferencias significativas entre las puntuaciones de los dominios y tamaño del efecto por encima de 0,5. Conclusión. La ECVI-38 es aceptable, válida y fiable para valorar el espectro de consecuencias y la recuperación de un ictus,y su resultado cambia proporcionalmente a la recuperación

The stroke-specific quality of life scale (ECVI-38) is the first Spanish-language instrument forevaluating the quality of life in individuals who have survived a stroke. Aim. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the third version of the ECVI-38. Patients and methods. A total of 243 stroke survivors were interviewed 2 months-2 years after the event; 61 of them were surveyed again 7-14 days later and 74 others were interviewed on beginning and ending a twomonthperiod of rehabilitation. Gold standard methods for this type of research were used to evaluate the psychometricproperties (acceptability, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change). Results. The ECVI was acceptable, with means close to the medians, a high degree of variability of the sample and a ceiling/floor effect below 20%, except for the odd exception. It displayed good reliability with internal consistence, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of between 0.79 and 0.95, and a test-retest with intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.81 and 0.96. It satisfied the validity criteria both in analyses within the scale and in analyses against external criteria: it distinguishes well between different degrees of neurological, emotional and cognitive compromise. Sensitivity to change, at eight weeks after rehabilitation, was between moderate and high in most domains: there were significant differences between the scores for the domains, and the size of the effect was above 0.5. Conclusions. The ECVI-38 is acceptable, valid and reliable for evaluating the spectrum of consequences and recovery from a stroke, and its result changes in proportion to recovery

Validación de la escala de calidadde vida para el ictus (ECVI-38) / Validation of the stroke-specific quality of life scale (ECVI-38)

Introducción. La escala de calidad de vida para el ictus (ECVI-38) es el primer instrumento desarrollado en habla hispana para valorar la calidad de vida en los supervivientes a un accidente cerebrovascular. Objetivo. Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la tercera versión de la ECVI-38. Pacientes y métodos. Se entrevistó a 243 supervivientes a un ictus despuésde 2 meses a 2 años del evento; 61 de éstos volvieron a ser encuestados 7-14 días después, y otros 74 fueron entrevistados al ingreso y al alta tras dos meses de rehabilitación. Para evaluar las propiedades psicométricas (aceptabilidad, fiabilidad,validez y sensibilidad al cambio), se emplaron métodos de referencia para este tipo de trabajos. Resultados. La ECVI fue aceptable: medias cercanas a las medianas, gran variabilidad de la muestra y efecto suelo-techo inferior a 20 por ciento, salvo excepciones. Mostró buena fiabilidad: consistencia interna con coeficiente alfa de Cronbach entre 0,79 y 0,95, y prueba test-retest con coeficientes de correlación intraclase entre 0,81 y 0,96. Cumplió los criterios para la validez, tanto en análisis dentro de la escala como en análisis contra criterio externo: diferencia bien entre distintos grados de afectación neurológica, emocional y cognitiva. La sensibilidad al cambio, después de ocho semanas de rehabilitación, fue entre moderada y alta en la mayoríade los dominios: diferencias significativas entre las puntuaciones de los dominios y tamaño del efecto por encima de 0,5. Conclusión. La ECVI-38 es aceptable, válida y fiable para valorar el espectro de consecuencias y la recuperación de un ictus, y su resultado cambia proporcionalmente a la recuperación(AU)

Introduction. The stroke-specific quality of life scale (ECVI-38) is the first Spanish-language instrument forevaluating the quality of life in individuals who have survived a stroke. Aim. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the third version of the ECVI-38. Patients and methods. A total of 243 stroke survivors were interviewed 2 months-2 years afterthe event; 61 of them were surveyed again 7-14 days later and 74 others were interviewed on beginning and ending a twomonth period of rehabilitation. Gold standard methods for this type of research were used to evaluate the psychometric properties (acceptability, reliability, validity and sensitivity to change). Results. The ECVI was acceptable, with means closeto the medians, a high degree of variability of the sample and a ceiling/floor effect below 20 percent, except for the odd exception. It displayed good reliability with internal consistence, with a Cronbachs alpha value of between 0.79 and 0.95, and a test-retest with intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.81 and 0.96. It satisfied the validity criteria both in analyses within the scale and in analyses against external criteria: it distinguishes well between different degrees of neurological, emotional andcognitive compromise. Sensitivity to change, at eight weeks after rehabilitation, was between moderate and high in most domains: there were significant differences between the scores for the domains, and the size of the effect was above 0.5. Conclusions. The ECVI-38 is acceptable, valid and reliable for evaluating the spectrum of consequences and recovery from astroke, and its result changes in proportion to recovery(AU)

Epidemiological factors associated with exudative age-related macular degeneration in Spain / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To report the demographic characteristics of a sample of population affected by exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the region of Castilla-Leon (North-Central Spain), and to compare them with a group of population of the same age and from the same geographic area.METHODS: In this observational, prospective study, AMD patients attending a regional reference clinic for photodynamic therapy were interviewed. The patients reported their medical history for high blood pressure, hyperlipemia and smoking habit. Iris color was examined and classified as fight (green, blue and grey) or dark (hazel, brown, black).RESULTS: A total of 343 patients were interviewed. Mean age at onset was 74.9 years (range 55 to 93), Among whom 64.5% were female and 35.5% male. Iris color was rated as light in 45.1% of the patients. Arterial hypertension (AH) was present in 50% of the cases and 15.3% were on treatment for hypercholesterolemia, and 30.2% of the patients were smokers or had quit smoking (80.9% of males).CONCLUSION: The frequency of light colored iris is higher among patients with exudative AMD. In our series, other risk factors for exudative AMD were smoking habit in males, not being on treatment for hypercholesterolemia and being female.

El estudio FAST falla en demostrar la eficacia del factor VIIa recombinante en la hemorragia intracerebral / The FAST study fails to demonstrate the effectiveness of recombinant factor VIIa in intracerebral haemorrhage

No disponible